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  • &Pictures premieres ‘Bimbisara’ on Dec 23, 7:30 pm – A Thrilling Journey Awaits!

    &Pictures premieres ‘Bimbisara’ on Dec 23, 7:30 pm – A Thrilling Journey Awaits!

    Mumbai: Get ready for an exciting movie night on &Pictures! They’re bringing ‘Bimbisara’ on December 23rd at 7.30 pm PM for the first time on &Pictures. This special film, starring Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, promises to redefine the cinematic experience. With a compelling story, breathtaking scenes, and a fantastic cast, ‘Bimbisara’ is a must-watch.

    Thrilling hoga safar, jab paanchvi sadi ka Raja aayega 2023 mein! Bimbisara laayega &Pictures par apne saath, ancient majesty to present-day mysteries.

    Embarking on an extraordinary journey, Bimbisara, the ruthless 500 BC king, is transported to 2023 through a magical mirror, bringing him face-to-face with the complexities of the modern world. The clash of timelines promises an extraordinary narrative filled with suspense and wonder.

    As Bimbisara navigates the technological marvels and societal intricacies of the 21st century, his journey unfolds as a captivating tapestry of self-discovery. The magical mirror becomes a portal not just through time but into the depths of his character, forcing him to confront the consequences of his past actions.

    Produced by NTR Arts, ‘Bimbisara’ is a testament to the studio’s commitment to delivering a captivating family entertainer, blending action, fantasy, humour, and thrilling twists. Kalyan Ram’s portrayal adds depth to the character, creating a must-watch Visual Spectacle that transcends the ordinary, combining ancient intrigue with modern-day mystique.

    Tune in at 7.30 pm on 23 December to &pictures for a heart-pounding magical journey you won’t want to miss!

     

  • National Geographic’s ‘The Butterfly Effect’ explores WIPRO’s net zero journey

    National Geographic’s ‘The Butterfly Effect’ explores WIPRO’s net zero journey

    Mumbai: The urgency of the climate change crisis is undeniable. We must safeguard the world we inherited from our forefathers and preserve it for future generations. Packed with innovative and inspiring storytelling, National Geographic in India is all set to bring forth the remarkable journey of WIPRO, giving its viewers a glimpse into the company’s commitment to trying to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Premiering on 16 December, at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel, the film titled ‘The Butterfly Effect’ sheds light on the sustainable measures adapted by Wipro to curb the adverse effects of global warming.

    In an era marked by industrial progress, where electricity and energy symbolize advancement, the documentary explores the consequences of global warming and climate change. It delves into the consequences of heightened temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, and catastrophic heatwaves. While showcasing Wipro’s commitment to attaining 100 per cent renewable energy in their campuses by 2030, the short film spotlights the company’s green efforts to address the challenges of today’s climate crisis. The documentary will explore innovative, future-ready solutions such as an underfloor air distribution system for cooling, advancement in designing for efficient energy use, and the recycling of organic waste and water, all aimed at slowing down the climate crisis.

    “At National Geographic, we aim to bring forth thought-provoking and insightful stories that enlighten our viewers on the significance of sustainability for a healthy planet. Our constant endeavour is to inspire and encourage our audience to embrace lifestyle changes for a better tomorrow, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. The documentary provides unprecedented access to information, offering viewers a deeper understanding of disruptive measures to achieve sustainability.” said a National Geographic spokesperson.

    “The effects of climate change are already evident in our daily lives and increasingly so. Its adverse impacts will unfortunately cascade through to our future generations. As a responsible corporation, we have been working on our climate goals over the last 15 years. We are pleased to collaborate with a credible brand like National Geographic, which has captured the key elements of our sustainability journey in a seamless, well-knit narrative,” said Wipro Ltd’s global head of sustainability & social initiatives P S Narayan.

    Produced by National Geographic Creative Works, ‘The Butterfly Effect’ will premiere on 16 December 2023, at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel in India.

  • Matrix Fight Night associates with new MMA regulatory federation

    Matrix Fight Night associates with new MMA regulatory federation

    Mumbai: Matrix Fight Night (MFN) announced the launch of its newest association with Fighters First Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The new body will be headed by Jackie Shroff, the highly beloved veteran Indian Film Industry star. With an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of athleticism, and sport entertainment, and with the vision of fostering the growth of MMA in India, this federation aims to revolutionize the landscape of competitive martial arts.

    The objective behind launching the tie-up with Fighters First Mixed Martial Arts Federation is another step towards making the Matrix Fight Night ecosystem even more complete in its goal towards ensuring a safe space for all amateur athletes in the MMA circuit. This association will further help MFN grow by providing a platform to identify and promote amateur talent from all across the country, as well as globally, thereby adding the best of the new generation of MMA athletes to the MFN pro-roster. The launch of this new MMA federation represents a pivotal moment in Indian MMA and the MFN journey by helping to consolidate their dedication to elevating fighters while reshaping the sport’s future.

    The federation’s agenda includes a series of high-profile events, talent development programs, and strategic collaborations aimed at fostering a thriving community of fighters, coaches and fans. Through strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders, MFN aims to promote inclusivity, diversity, and innovation within the MMA landscape.

    Besides this, the federation will also be officiating at several grassroots programs to identify a new pool of talented upcoming fighters. Recently, the first MFN Contenders tournament was completed under the aegis of the new federation. The MFN Contenders tournament saw around 500 amateur athletes registering. At the end of the tournament, 13 boys and girls were awarded contracts to make their pro debuts at the big MFN shows next year.

  • Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has notched up strong viewership figures for the opening weekend of the milestone 10th season. According to BARC, 80.1 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports for the first four matches, amassing 2.7 billion minutes of watch time. This underscores the immense popularity of the tournament among passionate fans of the second-biggest sport in the country. Additionally, the broadcaster has witnessed a remarkable growth of 38 per cent in ratings for the opening weekend compared to the last edition, showcasing the enduring appeal of Pro Kabaddi.

    Pro Kabaddi League’s return to its traditional caravan-style format has contributed to its resurgence in popularity and viewership. The tournament has witnessed spectacular performances, with Bengal Warriors commanding an unbeaten run, Gujarat Giants showcasing young raiders who are making their mark, and the return of high-flyer Pawan Sehrawat. Stalwarts like Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, and Siddharth Desai have also left their mark on the league, creating a riveting narrative for fans. During the opening weekend, Gujarat Giants, led by Sultan Fazel Atrachali, won both their games at home against Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls.

    A Star Sports Spokesperson said, “Pro Kabaddi League reflects the rich culture and heritage that flows through this sport in India. Our various regional feeds are customized to their respective states imbibing the values and local hero-building to capture the interest of the fans. We are glad to witness the surge in viewership for the fast-paced game and will continue to drive fandom for the rest of the season. The league generates new stars every season and has garnered support from some of the biggest celebrities, highlighting the promising trajectory of its progress through the years.”

    The marketing campaign, #IndiaKiHarSaansMeinKabaddi, featuring some of the biggest stars from the country including Tiger Shroff, Ballaya, and Sudeep Kichha ignited fervent support from fans, embodying the true essence and warrior spirit of the Pro Kabaddi League. Star Sports also collaborated with superstars across the country, who passionately supported their favorite Kabaddi teams and players. The entertainment quotient was elevated with the involvement of top-notch celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Manoj Bajpayee, Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar as well as top Hollywood Superstar Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame. Star Sports also activated canters in five markets to spark enthusiasm among kids and kabaddi players at local clubs. The season began in grand style with an all-captains press conference on the Akshar River cruise at Ahmedabad.

    Reach and Watch-time Data for 2+U+R (TV + OOH)
    Ratings on India Urban M15+ AB

  • TIPS Industries onboards Kiran Dcruz as senior vice president for brands and partnerships

    TIPS Industries onboards Kiran Dcruz as senior vice president for brands and partnerships

    Mumbai: TIPS Industries Ltd. (TIPS), a leading player in the music and entertainment industry, today announced the appointment of  Kiran Dcruz as senior vice president for brands and partnerships. In his new role, Kiran will lead the strategy for the TIPS Music brand and build collaborative partnerships between brands, artists and music.  

    With over two decades across various sales and business head roles in the TV, Radio and Music industry, Kiran Dcruz will bring his deep understanding of the entertainment sector to his new role. His expertise in strategy, music licensing, content creation and team management aligns seamlessly with TIPS Industries’ commitment to innovation and growth. Prior to joining TIPS Industries, Kiran served as head of brand Partnerships at Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures, where he played a pivotal role in setting up India’s first Metaverse consulting company for Brands and Talent.  

    Chairman and managing director, Kumar Taurani said, “We welcome Kiran to Tips Industries. We leverage his extensive experience to drive strategic brand initiatives and expand the company’s footprint in the evolving entertainment and media landscape. This is in line with our commitment of delivering 30 per cent growth to our investors”

    TIPS Industries C.E.O Hari Nair mentions “Kiran is an experienced creative professional who has a proven track record in ideating and creating great partnerships between music, artists and brands. His expertise aligns very well with our objectives of opening up new revenue streams for Tips. I wish him the best”

    TIPS Industries senior vice president of brands and partnerships Kiran Dcruz said, “I’m delighted to become a part of TIPS Industries, a goldmine of music content. Tip’s music is working wonders now & it’s the perfect time to re-imagine opportunities and create music experiences through strategic brand partnerships. I look forward to contributing to the revenues & growth of our company”

    Kiran has previously worked with brands like MTV, Fever, Red FM, Radio One and Sony Music Entertainment, handling multiple roles.  At Sony Music Entertainment, he was the director of brand partnerships and music Licensing for eight years and was instrumental in setting up the Brand vertical. This was followed by his role as head of brand Partnerships at Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures prior to joining TIPS Industries.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery unveils Festive Kids line-up

    Warner Bros. Discovery unveils Festive Kids line-up

    Mumbai: Countdown for holidays is on as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kids Entertainment Channels – Cartoon Network, POGO and Discovery Kids announce their new slate for the upcoming holiday season with brand-new specials and exciting episodes for little fans.

    Kicking off the celebrations, Cartoon Network has packed an exclusive Christmas treat for young fans with special episodes ‘The Great Holiday Escape’ and ‘Christmas Magic’ featuring young superheroes ‘Teen Titans Go!’. The holiday special will air on Monday, 25 December at noon, providing an ever-magical holiday experience with Raven, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, and Robin.

    As part of this season’s offerings, POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, is all geared up to present a wholesome experience to the audiences. Beloved characters Chhota Bheem and Little Singham will be on deck to add fun and excitement to your Christmas cheer because the holiday season is officially in full swing. The holiday extravaganza will begin on Christmas Eve, December 24   with the premiere of the highly anticipated ‘Mighty Little Bheem Special: I Love Taj Mahal’ at 9:30 am, promising a heartwarming and adventurous journey for young viewers.

    Starting 25 December till 31 December, the channel will premiere new specials every day from 11:30 am onwards. Christmas Day will have kids and parents join Little Singham’s thrilling adventures with the brand new blockbuster ‘Little Singham – Black Shadow Super Spy Game’ at 12:15 pm. Last but not the least, ushering in the New Year with a bang, POGO will debut a never-seen-before crossover for fans across the country.

    The excitement doesn’t end here! Discovery Kids joins the festive celebration with two exciting specials ‘Kris ke Superhits’ starting from December 23, every day at 11:30 am, and ‘Naya Saal Double Dhamaal’ with new episodes of ‘Kris’ and ‘Shaun the Sheep’ starting Monday, January 1 every day at 10:30 am. On the day of Christmas, starting from 2.30 pm, a brand-new movie of ‘Ekans – Ekans: Mystery of Three Gems’ will guarantee an unforgettable festive vibe filled with endless fun and masti.

    Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels are dedicated to bringing their viewers the best in entertainment, and this December is no exception. It surely promises an enchanting holiday season filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments for the entire family. Stay tuned for an unforgettable blend of thrill and tradition coming your way.

  • Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to premiere in Malaysia via Unifi TV

    Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to premiere in Malaysia via Unifi TV

    Mumbai: Rewind announced partnership with Unifi in Malaysia. Starting 1 January, the much-anticipated channel HITS NOW will debut on Unifi TV and will be made available on Channel 452 as part of its comprehensive TV packs.

    This collaboration shared commitment to provide high-value entertainment to Malaysian viewers and to enrich the Malaysian TV landscape. HITS NOW, celebrated for its award-winning and branded programmes and cutting-edge content has already garnered a strong following since its launch in February 2023. Its introduction to Unifi TV extends its reach, offering subscribers nationwide an unparalleled viewing experience. All Unifi TV Pack subscribers will be able to enjoy a 1-month free preview from 1 to 31 January 2024.

    The partnership serves as the latest addition to Unifi TV’s existing offerings, making the platform the first to launch HITS NOW in Malaysia. HITS NOW will be included in Unifi TV’s Ultimate Max, Ultimate Plus, Ultimate and Family Packs starting February 2024. The channel is accessible via the Unifi TV Box and Unifi TV app, which can be downloaded on mobile devices and smart TVs.

    HITS NOW is the latest initiative in Rewind Networks’ ongoing strategy to redefine entertainment in the Asian market. The network has established a formidable presence with its acclaimed channels, HITS and HITS MOVIES, which present a curated selection of iconic TV shows and movies. These channels have captivated audiences in 13 countries, reaching over 24 million households. As the newest member of the Rewind Networks family, HITS NOW is set to uphold this legacy, delivering meticulously selected, high-quality series tailored for the discerning Asian viewer.

    “We are thrilled to unveil HITS NOW to Unifi TV’s customers,” said Rewind Networks CEO Avi Himatsinghani. “At Rewind, our mission is to meticulously pinpoint and fill crucial gaps in consumer entertainment needs, bringing together an exceptional array of entertainment from globally renowned storytellers, studios, and franchises. HITS NOW is set to feature a really diverse programming mix, from Emmy-winning drama series and popular reality shows to innovative game shows. We’re confident that it will resonate strongly with Malaysia’s discerning viewers, becoming not just a channel but a go-to entertainment destination and a staple in their daily viewing experience.”

    The HITS NOW lineup will feature the ultimate in breathtaking entertainment with exhilarating, branded reality and talent shows like American Idol 2024, Survivor, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy Team, Shark Tank, Hell’s Kitchen, Britain’s Got Talent all express from the US.  It will also debut brand new reality series like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, The Traitor and Race To Survive: Alaska; stunning dramatic series like the successful Fire Country, Sullivan’s Crossing and So Help Me, Todd as well as Alert: Missing Persons Unit. Game show junkies can play along with Password, Barmageddon, Supermarket Sweep, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Celebrity Family Feud. Those craving light-hearted fare can kick back with heartwarming comedies Lopez vs Lopez, Young Rock, The Goldbergs and Ghosts. The network has got viewers covered for everything Hollywood with the long running news show – Entertainment Tonight, and true crime aficionados can follow real life cases with Fear Thy Neighbor, Fear Thy Roommate, Killer Couples and Murder for Hire.

    HITS NOW will broadcast the prestigious The 75 Primetime Emmy Awards Live starting at 8am (GMT+8) on 16 January with an encore performance at 8pm (GMT+8) that same night.

  • Shemaroo appoints Swati Darekar as head of programming- Hindi GEC

    Shemaroo appoints Swati Darekar as head of programming- Hindi GEC

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment, a leading media and entertainment conglomerate in India, has announced the appointment of Swati Darekar as the head of programming- Hindi GEC (General Entertainment Channel). In this role, Darekar will spearhead the content strategy for the Shemaroo Hindi GEC cluster, aligning with overall broadcast business objectives. Leading the conceptualisation, development and execution of content for Shemaroo TV & Shemaroo Umang, Swati will lead a team of content creators to produce engaging and relevant content that resonates with the target audience.

    Darekar is a seasoned professional in the General Entertainment Channel domain with a proven track record in creating and curating content that resonates with diverse audiences. Prior to joining Shemaroo, she has played pivotal role as Fiction Head (Vice President HME Content) at Colors (Viacom18), contributing significantly to the success of shows like ‘Barrister Babu,’ ‘Nima Denzongpa,”Savi Ki Savaari’ and the recently launched show ‘Doree.’ Her illustrious career includes a significant tenure as Creative Director (Vice President Content) at Sony Entertainment Television (Sony Pictures Networks), steering the success of shows like ‘Mere Sai’ and ‘Patiala Babes.’ Before Sony, Swati made notable contributions as Creative Director (Vice President- Fiction Programming) at Star Plus (Disney Star), shaping iconic shows like ‘Diya aur Baati Hum,’ ‘Saraswatichandra,’ ‘Tamanna’ amongst others.

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd COO of Broadcasting Business Sandeep Gupta, expressed his delight about the appointment, stating, “We are excited to have Swati Darekar join our team as the Head of Programming- Hindi GEC. Her wealth of experience and creative acumen align perfectly with Shemaroo’s commitment to delivering engaging content. With Swati leading our programming efforts, we are confident in achieving new milestones and offering captivating experiences to our viewers.”

    This strategic move reinforces Shemaroo Entertainment’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

  • Sponsors back the idea of inclusivity; back the first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023

    Sponsors back the idea of inclusivity; back the first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023

    Mumbai: Joining the celebrations of inclusivity in sports, sponsors are enthusiastically backing the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, a ministry of youth affairs and sports initiative driven by the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi to provide an inclusive sports ecosystem in the country.

    Deepali Sports, a division of Deepali Designs and Exhibits pioneers in sports marketing and games management has come on board as Principal Sponsor of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games which began in New Delhi on 10 December.

    The historic partnership is a testimony of the company’s commitment to lighting up India’s sporting future. “As an end-to-end leading sports marketing and games management agency, Deepali Sports is committed to ushering in novel and revolutionary tech in all aspects of sports in India. The entry of Deepali Sports to this arena will be a game changer, in terms of integration, upgradation, and management of sports infra – across the country, will be of a very high quality, cohesively managed and tech-driven – in keeping with the demands and deep technologies that we have come to expect at all levels- planned, approached and executed with new-age precision, finesse, and elan, across the country for the first time,” said Deepali Group CEO and MD Vinay Mittal.

    The advent of Deepali Sports – cues in International appeal in all aspects – whether it’s rich and dazzling opening and closing ceremonies, global standards tech-driven games management, seamless execution, a non-silo-driven approach, and superlative standards. Be it catering, hospitality, or security – these will be the hallmarks of Deepali Sports – given that such aspects had been overlooked by all other players– and the results will be there for all to see.

    Khelo India Para Games 2023 is powered by The India Business and Disability Network (IBDN), a CII initiative that facilitates an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free workplace within the corporate sector.  

    Launched in 2019, it is a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative that serves as a one-stop solution to promote the employment of Persons with Disability while responding to the needs of the industry. IBDN enables inclusion and equal opportunities for Persons with Disability at the workplace through knowledge sharing, collaborative action, and improving technical skills of member organizations as well as facilitating and assisting companies in adopting products and services to create an inclusive and accessible workplace.

    The week-long Khelo India Para Games, which will see over 1400 participants from 32 states and union territories is also co-powered by Surya Roshni Ltd. Surya Roshni Limited, a trailblazer in the lighting and steel pipe industry, proudly steps into the sporting arena as a co-sponsor for the first time in the prestigious Khelo India Para Games. This partnership symbolizes Surya’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and development in the nation through sports.

    Surya Roshni Ltd, chairman shared Padma Shri Jaiprakash Agarwal said, “We are happy as well as proud to be part of Khelo India, a platform that resonates with our values of excellence, innovation, and community development. Our foray into sports sponsorship aligns seamlessly with our corporate ethos, and we are excited to contribute to the nation’s sporting legacy.”

  • Times Now dominates as No. 1 English News Channel during State Assembly Elections

    Times Now dominates as No. 1 English News Channel during State Assembly Elections

    Mumbai: Times Now, India’s election news headquarters has emerged as the most-watched English News Channel during the State Assembly Election held in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Telangana. Dominating the viewership with extensive coverage under Mandate 2023, Times Now secured an impressive market share of 38.8% through the Counting week. On the crucial Counting Day, the channel achieved an astounding market share of 28.7%, solidifying its position as the go-to source for election-related coverage (Source: BARC | 10L+ | NCCS AB 22+ | Wk.49’23).

    The remarkable performance of the channel is a result of extensive election programming and in depth reportage complemented by state-of-the art technology in delivering authentic and credible information, thereby enabling an elevated election news viewing experience like never before on Indian television.

    Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.49’23, viewership shares